UM partially lifts SEC ban for Marve

The University of Miami has lifted part of the restrictions UM coach Randy Shannon placed earlier this week on former quarterback Robert Marve's impending transfer. Instead of being barred from going to all SEC schools, Florida, Tennessee and LSU are the only specific SEC schools Marve will not be able to attend.

A statement released moments ago explained why -- because UM believes Marve's family members or others on behalf of Marve contacted those schools during the season.

"Due to the attention this issue has received, the University feels it is appropriate to state the reason for keeping the restriction on those schools. The University of Miami has reason to believe that the Marve family or others on behalf of the Marve family contacted those institutions during the 2008 season regarding Robert's potential transfer prior to him having been given his release by UM," the statement said. "We are not suggesting any wrong doing on the part of any of the universities mentioned. Robert's desire to request a transfer was reviewed in the same manner that we do for every student-athlete in every sport. It is important to note that any stipulations imposed on any possible transfer are always the result of circumstances and are not done in haste or spite. As per NCAA regulations, a student-athlete can appeal any restrictions or stipulations given by a school regarding his or her transfer."